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October 15, 2012

The 'Holy Rollers' are coming for you

If you haven't read any of author James Newman's work, you really should. His novel Midnight Rain is a favorite of mine, and his collection of short stories, entitled People are Strange, is just a twisted delight. Now, one of the stories from People are Strange, Holy Rollers, is set to become a short film from producer/director Kevin Woods. Read on for the complete lowdown, and how you can help fund the project.

JAMES NEWMAN’S “HOLY ROLLERS” TO BE ADAPTED AS SHORT FILMCritically-Acclaimed Story Optioned by “Indie Horror Specialist” Kevin Woods

Horror author James Newman’s “Holy Rollers” will soon become a chilling short film from producer/director Kevin Woods.“Holy Rollers” tells the story of a husband and wife who wake up one morning to find two door-to-door evangelists standing on their front porch. Mild annoyance turns to bloodcurdling terror as they soon discover that these men carry more than just Bibles . . . and the ‘rollers will not leave until they have cleansed the couple of their sins.Originally published as a small-press chapbook and later included in the collection PEOPLE ARE STRANGE, “Holy Rollers” has been praised for its pulse-pounding plot, richly authentic characters, and dark humor. Brian Keene, author of GHOUL and THE RISING, said of Newman’s story, “Jerry Falwell is coming to your house and he’s packing a semi-automatic!” Elizabeth Massie, author of SINEATER, called it “a heart-stopping tale of terror”, and ReallyScary.com said it “crawls across the reader’s skin like fire ants and razor blades, and that’s a good thing . . . ”James Newman, whose other works include MIDNIGHT RAIN, ANIMOSITY, and THE WICKED, has been praised by some of the biggest names in speculative fiction, including Ray Garton, Ed Gorman, Michael Laimo, and Piers Anthony. HOLY ROLLERS will be the first filmed adaptation of his work.The short film will be directed by Kevin Woods. Woods has produced a number of titles alongside Adam Minarovich (best known for his portrayal of Ed on AMC’s hit television show THE WALKING DEAD, and the writer of Trent Haaga’s CHOP), among them the award-winning EXHIBIT A-7, SURVIVAL, BUY SELL KILL, and Troma's WISEGUYS VS. ZOMBIES. He was dubbed the “indie horror specialist” by Fangoria.com, and several of his works were included in the South Carolina State Museum’s exhibit “Hollywood Comes To South Carolina: A Century of Filmmaking in the Palmetto State”. “When I first read ‘Holy Rollers’ I knew it would make an incredible film,” says Woods. “I’m truly fortunate that James is allowing me the opportunity to do just that. His script is nothing short of amazing. I think we’re gonna scare the hell out of some viewers. You’ll think twice the next time you hear a knock at your door.”The film is currently in heavy pre-production. The filmmakers are attempting to raise the budget through private investors and via the popular crowd-funding site IndieGoGo (www.indiegogo.com/holyrollers). More information can be found at the film’s official website, www.holyrollersthefilm.info, or at www.james-newman.com.